The Simple Success System Every Student Should Know...
This was an opportunity not to be missed.
Nine-year-old Rodrigo’s parents did a smart thing.
He wanted to participate in a 5-kilometre fun run but felt the distance was too much for him.
His parents didn't console him, saying he could do it when he was older.
They didn’t cajole him, encouraging him to have a go.
And they didn’t ignore him.
Instead, they recognised this as a significant moment (teachers would call it a teachable moment) and prepared him for the event.
They broke the 5 kilometres into smaller, attainable steps.
First, Max ran a kilometre, stopping a couple of times. After he could run one kilometre without stopping, they gradually increased the distance to two, then three, until he could complete five kilometres.
"Yep, he completed the fun run as a happy and proud boy."
He’d learned the value of determination and sticking to a task.
More importantly, he discovered a method he could utilise to accomplish anything. That method is goal setting.
It’s about the system.
James Clear, author of the bestselling book “Atomic Habits”, says that goal setting's strength lies in the system it teaches rather than the results it achieves.
Clear is right.
When we teach kids a system that helps them achieve a goal, the process, rather than the outcome, changes their lives.
Teach kids systems, not skills.
As a parent, I taught my kids the systems they needed to become independent. They learned to make lists to aid their memories, create charts to help sequence their morning routines, and use anchoring to ensure new habits stuck.
Most significantly, I taught them several goal-setting systems to help them succeed in any area of their lives.
This process has stuck, as my kids pass those systems on to their children.
Elements of successful goal setting.
Despite the many formulas you’ll find online, there's no magic recipe for goal setting. However, from my experience working with students over four decades, I’ve learned that successful goal setting (for kids) includes the following 5 elements:
Start with small goals so kids experience immediate success.
Use measurable steps so they know they’re making ground.
Establish a realistic time frame so they don’t lose interest.
Build small rewards along the way to maintain motivation.
Make it enjoyable so kids have some fun.
Goal setting is a leadership (and success) system.
If school leaders are not taught goal-setting, students leave without learning a vital system for success.
Knowing how to set and work towards goals is invaluable for any student, whether they aspire to leadership or just want to achieve success in any aspect of their lives.
Systems, not skills,
distinguish the good from the great—be it in schools, among teachers, or within students (including student leaders).
How we can help.
Our NEW Goal-Setting Guide has everything you need to teach goal-setting to senior primary school students, including:
Teacher Notes
Teaching Activities
Student Workbook
Our Goal-Setting Guide is available as a stand-alone resource, or it’s part of our high-value Young Leaders Packages.
Find out more at the Young Leaders Store.
.